There are many chainsaw sharpeners from different manufacturers. This article discusses the best five chainsaw sharpeners available today

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As you use your chainsaw, it is bound to get dull over time. What next? Do you replace it? For most people, replacing a chain because it got dull does not make sense. Instead, you could sharpen it and use it again.

Fortunately, chainsaw accessory manufacturers noticed this gap. Consequently, they have designed many chainsaw sharpeners to the extent the market is flooded. But which is the best chainsaw sharpener?

This article highlights the best five chainsaw sharpeners.

The Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

  1. Oregon Professional Universal Chain Sharpener – Best Overall
  2. Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Electric Chainsaw Sharpener – Best Bench Mounted Sharpener
  3. EzzDoo 3-in-1 Chainsaw Sharpener Kit 963 – Best Hand-Held Chainsaw Sharpener
  4. Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit – Best Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
  5. Buffalo Tools ECSS Chainsaw Sharpener – Best Wall-Mounted

Oregon Professional Universal Chain Sharpener (paid link)

The Oregon Universal Sharpener is a 120-volt bench or wall-mounted universal chain sharpener that delivers consistent results for years. While it may be a significant investment, it is ideal for those who need a sharpener that will last for many years.

This universal sharpener sharpens up to .404 inch pitch chain. It works well with equipment from almost any manufacturer. The best part is that it is easy to mount on the workbench or wall with two included bolts.

This sharpener has a dressing brick, grinder, two grinding wheels (3.2mm and 4.7mm), and a grinding template. It also has a working light and a wheel wear indicator for better visibility as you work.

Going by the user reviews, this masterpiece has attracted thousands of reviews on Amazon. Most buyers praised the tool for its ease of use and value for money. Others commented on the sharpening accuracy and perfect user manual it comes with.


Pros

  • Bolts for wall or bench installation included
  • It comes with built-in light for better illumination
  • Highly durable
  • Wheel wear indicator
  • It comes with two grinding wheels

Cons

  • A little expensive


Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Electric Chainsaw Sharpener (paid link)

Timber Tuff is a reputable manufacturer of logging tools. The chain sharpeners are among their best sellers. They include the Timber Tuff Benchtop Electric Chainsaw Sharpener.

The Timber Tuff CS-BWM Sharpener can be mounted on a wall or bench. It is powered by a compact but robust 110V, 60 Hz motor. With a chainsaw sharpener speed of 3600 rpm, it can sharpen a pitch of 0.25 to 0.75 inches.

The chain sharpener comes with easy-to-read adjustment guides that make sharpening easier. It also has lighting for good visibility as you work on your saws. In addition, it has a thermal-overload protection feature.


Pros

  • It comes with inbuilt working light
  • Easy-to-read adjustment guides
  • Thermal-overload protection feature
  • Durable

Cons

  • Tough to assemble


EzzDoo 3-in-1 Chainsaw Sharpener Kit (paid link)

The EzzDoo 3-in-1 Chainsaw Sharpener is a handheld electric chainsaw sharpener. While this sharpener remains on the lower end in terms of cost, its effectiveness is impressive. This sharpener is designed to help you sharpen your saw quickly and accurately so that you can continue with your work.

The package includes four titanium-plated grinding wheels in 7/32, 3/16, and 5/32 inches. With these wheels, you can sharpen almost any chainsaw out there. The most noteworthy aspect of this chainsaw sharpener is its ease of use. With just four installation steps, you are ready to sharpen your chainsaw. It even comes with a video to guide you on installing it.

Another notable feature of this chainsaw sharpener is the fast result. With six speed settings and a range of 10,000 rpm to a maximum of 35,000 rpm, you can sharpen the bluntest chain within minutes and make it as good as new. With such sharpeners in the market, don’t waste your energy and time on manual sharpeners.


Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Fast result
  • It comes with titanium-plated bits
  • Suitable for accurate sharpening tasks

Cons

  • Some users report difficulty finding the instruction video


Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit (paid link)

The Sharp Pebble Chainsaw Sharpener is yet another quick handheld chain sharpener on the market. This Amazon Bestseller operates at speeds ranging from 8,000 rpm and maxing out at 33,000 rpm. The ergonomically designed cushioned handle means it is pleasant to use while providing maximum control and precision.

This sharpener kit has a wrench and four diamond sharpening wheels (7/32, 7/32, 3/16, and 5/32 inches). With these wheels, you can sharpen chainsaws from almost any manufacturer.

The Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw is ideal for both starters and professionals. The setup is easy, and you can operate it left or right-handed. Apart from the sharpening efficiency, the manufacturer also paid keen attention to the internal workings. It runs on a compact motor with quality bearings, implying that the disks operate at high stability and accuracy.


Pros

  • It comes with four diamond-sharpening wheels
  • Ideal for beginners and professionals
  • Ergonomic design
  • Fast sharpening
  • Safety switch

Cons

  • Some users report collet shakiness


Buffalo Tools ECSS Chainsaw Sharpener (paid link)

Even when you are running low on budget, there are electric chainsaws at a fair price. This Buffalo Tools Chainsaw Sharpener is cheap but effective. You can fix it on a bench, vice, or wall.

This sharpener spins at 4200 rpm, which means you will sharpen your chainsaws faster than the manual method. The only notable downside with this chainsaw sharpener is that it does not have a manual clamp to hold the chain in place as you work on it. Moreover, the Buffalo chainsaw sharpener can only sharpen the chain gauge from 0.05 to 0.08 inches.


Pros

  • Affordable
  • Adjustable to various chain sizes
  • Mounts on a wall, bench, or vice
  • It comes with a detailed owners manual
  • Works on the regular electric outlet

Cons

  • Cannot work with chain gauge 0.043 inch
  • No clamp for holding the chain


Buying Guide

Here are the factors for you to consider before investing in any chainsaw sharpener:

Cost

Before buying any chainsaw sharpener, it is essential that you know the current market prices of other similar saws. How do you do this, you wonder? Well, it’s just a matter of a quick internet search. Always do your research to give you an idea of how much the chainsaw sharpener you are eyeing will cost.

Type of Sharpener

The two common types of chainsaw sharpeners you need to consider are handheld and mountable sharpeners. First, think of the scenario where you will be using the sharpener. That way, you can visualize what you need.

Rotating Speed

Different chainsaw sharpeners have different spinning speeds. Most spin at around 3,400 rpm, while others go as high as 40,000. Generally, a higher rotating speed implies you get the job done quickly. However, with Speed comes more care.

Pitch Compatibility

Pitch is measured as the space between the cutting links in a chain. Chains mostly come in one of these pitches:  0.325-inch, 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch low profile,  full profile 3/8-inch, and 0.404-inch.

Most chain sharpeners will work with at least two pitches. Others, however, will work with all five. Therefore, before you buy any sharpener, know what pitches you want a sharpener for.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many times should I sharpen my chainsaw?

It all depends on the frequency at which you use your chainsaw. If you rarely use it, sharpening it once a year will do. However, if you use it consistently for several hours daily, you may need to sharpen it multiple times daily.

  1. Is it worth buying a chainsaw sharpener?

It depends on your intended use. A chainsaw is worth it if you work at a workshop or have many DIY projects. However, investing in a chainsaw sharpener is impractical if you rarely use a chainsaw. If you only need a sharpener occasionally, taking your chainsaw to a workshop for sharpening at a fee could be more economical.

  1. How do I know if my chainsaw is dull?

First, regular chainsaw users can tell if it is dull by cutting through wood with it. However, for newbies, it can be challenging. Observing the wood chippings it produces is one method is telling if your chainsaw is dull. A sharp chainsaw will produce large chippings because it cuts cleanly, while a dull one will produce smaller ones.

However, this is just a rough way to know the sharpness of your chainsaw. For an accurate reading, ask for help from a professional.

  1. How often should you oil a chainsaw?

You should always oil your chainsaw before each cut, as the moving components can wear each other down. After all, too much oiling will not damage your chainsaw.

Conclusion

Chainsaw sharpeners can make an old and dull chainsaw feel new. With proper sharpening, your chainsaw will also last a lot longer. Consider the cost, type, rotating Speed, and pitch compatibility when buying a chainsaw. With these consideration factors, you will always find a chainsaw sharpener that offers value for your money.

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